Volunteering
with BPIE
The best hour of your week awaits.
Who are BPIE Volunteers?
Our volunteers, known as academic mentors, are recruited, trained, matched and supported to work with students. Academic mentors come from all walks of life, cultural backgrounds, and levels of education and experience. They are parents, engineers, college students, doctors, lawyers, professors, retirees, and much more.
These committed volunteers devote their skills and consistent presence to instill in students a love of learning, an ability to problem solve, and a positive sense of self. We ask our volunteers to give one hour a week — but it’s really the opportunity of a lifetime, for the students and themselves.
What can you do in just an hour a week?
By volunteering as an academic mentor in a Boston Public Schools classroom, you can help students build the skills and confidence to improve their academic achievement, accelerate their personal growth, and ultimately, stay in school and graduate on time.
One hour of personal attention each week can be life-changing for students. Whether you read together or work on math problems, talk about professions and career options, or practice social skills, your time together helps prepare students for a lifetime of success.
An hour a week. A lifetime of opportunity.
Benefits for students and educators
- Academic mentors benefit the whole classroom, allowing teachers to concentrate on the kids who need their attention most
- Mentors provide one-on-one attention tailored to support students’ unique learning styles
- Consistent support allows students to build trust and confidence – helping improve attendance and participation in class
- Personalized attention aids with identifying and addressing gaps in students’ learning
- Students receiving extra attention during the school day show an increased interest in school, improved academic performance in math and literacy, enhanced self-esteem, and a better work ethic
Benefits for volunteers
- Opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child in a meaningful way
- Helps to improve the Boston Public Schools one student at a time
- Chance to give back and develop connection to the local community
- For volunteers studying to become a teacher, it’s a valuable way to gain experience working in a classroom setting
- It’s a great addition to a resume